HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 cc316-7W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what considerations led him to provide a freephone business link telephone service for businesses in England; and if he will make a statement. [15880]

Mr. Page

Business link inquiries have been handled by the original enterprise initiative freephone number, 0800 500 200, since May 1995. This will be discontinued at the end of the current financial year because the enterprise initiative is no longer operational.

A dedicated business link helpline was set up in October 1995 at the time of the business link national launch. The 0345 567765 lo-call number provides callers with a central inquiry point with direct switching to their nearest business link. A single national number is essential for any reference to business link in the national media.